Your garage door isn’t just a big, moving wall—it plays a vital role in the security and overall aesthetic of your home. But as a barrier between your home’s interior and the outside world, it faces constant attacks from Mother Nature. Let’s dive deeper into the effects of weather on your garage door and learn more strategies to shield it from the elements.
Understanding the Full Weather Impact on Garage Door
How the Elements Threaten Your Garage Door
Heat & Cold: A Cycle of Expansion and Contraction
Metal components in your door naturally expand under the sun’s heat. This can lead to binding, warped panels, and increased strain on the opener. Extreme cold weather causes metal to contract and become brittle, making springs and hinges prone to breaking, particularly after years of continuous use. Additionally, both frigid and hot weather damage weatherstripping, creating gaps around the side of your garage door.
The Relentless Effects of Moisture
Rainy seasons and humidity lead to the absorption of moisture into wooden garage doors, ultimately causing rot and structural breakdown. Rust can eat away at any metal parts of a garage door, creating weak points and safety concerns. Water damage can also seep inside the bottom and affect your garage door itself, creating problems beyond the door itself.
Wind: More Than a Nuisance
The wind isn’t merely annoying when it rattles your garage and door frames. The repeated strain it puts on the panels and frame can cause bending, detachment from garage door tracks, and eventually, costly repairs. Garage doors in high-wind regions need reinforcement for safety and longevity.
Proactive Protection – Beyond Basic Maintenance
Regular inspections and lubrication are crucial, but additional steps can be taken for more comprehensive protection:
Inspect Thoroughly
Go beyond visual checks a few times a year. Open and close the door manually to feel for resistance or unusual noises. Test the balance by carefully stopping the garage door’s springs when halfway open and see if it stays in place. Closely examine rollers for chips or cracks, and the garage door springs for signs of strain.
Lubrication is Key
Don’t simply spray any oil you have on hand. Purchase silicone-based lubricant made for garage doors. A smooth operation protects the opener system and all-weather lubricant helps the door glide, easing the stress caused by temperature changes.
Sealing Gaps
Inspect all weatherstripping around the door’s edges and the door opening bottom. Damaged seals allow in drafts, pests, water, and debris, putting stress on your garage’s climate control and leading to potential interior problems.
Professional Help is Invaluable
An annual checkup by a reputable garage door maintenance company identifies underlying issues that are easy for homeowners to miss. Think of it as a vital physical for your garage door! When looking for services, terms like “garage door repair Norman OK” can quickly locate companies in your region.
The Importance of Calling in the Experts
Should weather-related damage occur despite your best efforts, seek professional help immediately. Addressing cracks, rust, or malfunctioning parts promptly can prevent issues from snowballing into larger, more expensive concerns. For Oklahoma residents, seeking qualified services like garage door repair Norman OK guarantees quality troubleshooting and the right solutions.
A Smart Investment for Your Home
While weathering is inevitable, its impact can be lessened. By following these upkeep practices and addressing issues as they arise, you’ll prolong the life of your garage door opener. This adds both practical value and curb appeal to your property, making it a worthwhile investment.
